- This paper deals initially with demographic, soil and crops characteristics of Latin America in an attempt to show the basic dilemma of producing food and fiber for a fast growing population, for the local industry, and for export. - Trends in fertilizer use are discussed next, the conclusion being drawn that in order to meet the requirements of soils and crops within the region relatively higher proportions of both P and K will be needed. - Actual needs of fertilizers were estimated by using different criteria and the possibilities of meeting them through local production and imports were touched upon. - Steps designed to bridge the technological gap between use and need were outlind briefly as items of a comprehensive policy.